2/24/14 ** I'm afraid I'm not "feeling" this book. I know that Kirkus gave it a star and it won the Newbery Honor, but I just didn't see the point.

The book tells the story of Billy's second grade year - making a diorama, writing and reciting poetry, the bratty girl at his table, his life with his sister and parents. I didn't feel any conflict or sense of problem. The only reason I finished the book is I kept expecting some pay-off, some reason that it won the award. Seems like a kids book for adults, rather than a kids book for kids.